Yes, AARP offers dental plans, but they are sold through insurance companies, not directly by AARP

AARP does not run its own dental insurance. Instead, AARP endorses dental plans underwritten by companies like Delta Dental and Humana, and you buy the plan directly from the insurance company. AARP's role is to negotiate group rates for members and display the plans on its website so you can compare them side by side.

This matters because it means AARP is not your customer service contact if something goes wrong with your claim or coverage. You call the insurance company. It also means the plans available to you depend on which state you live in—not all insurers operate everywhere, and not all plans are offered in all states.

The plans come in two main types: discount plans (which are not insurance) and dental insurance plans (which are). Most people who buy through AARP choose insurance, because it covers a percentage of major work like crowns and root canals, while discount plans do not.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP dental plans are sold by insurance companies like Delta Dental and Humana, not by AARP itself, so you contact the insurance company with questions about coverage or claims.
  • Plans vary by state, and not all plans are offered in all states, so you need to check what is available where you live.
  • Dental insurance plans typically cover preventive care (cleanings, X-rays) at 100 percent, basic work (fillings) at 70 to 80 percent, and major work (crowns, root canals) at 50 percent, with an annual maximum you should know before you buy.
  • Discount plans are cheaper but are not insurance—they offer negotiated rates at participating dentists but do not cover any percentage of the cost.
  • Most AARP dental plans have a waiting period of six to twelve months before they cover major work, so they are not meant for urgent dental problems.

How AARP dental insurance plans work

When you buy a dental insurance plan through AARP, you pay a monthly or annual premium. In return, the plan covers a percentage of the cost when you visit a dentist in the plan's network. The percentage depends on the type of work: preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) is usually covered at 100 percent, basic work (fillings, extractions) at 70 to 80 percent, and major work (crowns, bridges, root canals) at 50 percent.

Most plans have an annual maximum—often $1,000 to $1,500—which is the most the plan will pay in a calendar year. Once you hit that maximum, you pay the full cost of any remaining work. Plans also usually have a waiting period of six to twelve months before they cover major work, so if you need a crown next month, the plan will not pay for it yet.

You choose a plan based on the monthly premium you can afford and the annual maximum that makes sense for your expected dental needs. A plan with a $1,000 annual maximum costs less per month than one with a $1,500 maximum, but it also means you reach the cap sooner if you need a lot of work.

Discount plans versus dental insurance

AARP also offers dental discount plans, which are not insurance at all. Instead, you pay a membership fee (usually $80 to $200 per year) and receive negotiated rates at participating dentists. For example, a cleaning that normally costs $150 might cost $100 at a discount plan dentist.

Discount plans have no waiting periods, no annual maximums, and no claim forms. You pay the discounted rate at the dentist's office and walk out. They work well if you need work done right away and do not want to wait for insurance coverage to kick in, or if you have a small budget and only need preventive care.

The trade-off is that discount plans do not cover any percentage of the cost—you always pay something. A dental insurance plan, by contrast, covers 100 percent of preventive care, so if you go to the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams, insurance is usually cheaper than a discount plan over time.

What the plans cost

Dental insurance premiums through AARP range widely depending on the plan and your state. A basic plan might cost $10 to $20 per month, while a plan with higher coverage and a higher annual maximum might cost $30 to $50 per month. Some plans are offered on an annual basis instead, which can be cheaper if you pay upfront.

Discount plan memberships typically cost $80 to $200 per year, or about $7 to $17 per month. This is usually cheaper than dental insurance, but remember that you still pay a percentage of the cost at the dentist, whereas insurance covers a percentage for you.

The actual cost to you depends on how often you visit the dentist and what work you need. If you go twice a year for cleanings and never need fillings or crowns, a discount plan might be all you need. If you have existing dental problems or expect major work, dental insurance usually saves you money over time, even with the waiting period.

How to find and compare AARP dental plans in your state

Go to the AARP website and look for the dental plans section. You will enter your state and zip code, and the site will show you which plans are available where you live. Each plan displays the monthly premium, the annual maximum, the waiting period, and the percentage covered for preventive, basic, and major work.

Compare at least three plans side by side. Look at the monthly cost, the annual maximum, and the percentage covered for the type of work you think you might need. If you only need preventive care, the monthly cost matters most. If you expect major work, the annual maximum and the percentage covered for major work matter more.

Once you choose a plan, you buy it directly from the insurance company through the AARP website. You do not explore through AARP; you go through the insurer. Read the plan documents carefully before you buy, especially the waiting periods and any exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Waiting periods and what they mean

Most AARP dental insurance plans have a waiting period before they cover major work. This means if you buy the plan today, you cannot claim coverage for a crown or root canal until six to twelve months have passed. Preventive care is usually covered when ready, with no waiting period.

Some plans waive the waiting period if you had dental insurance with another company in the past year and did not have a gap in coverage. This is called a waiver of waiting period, and it is worth asking about when you compare plans. If you are switching from another dental plan, you might be able to avoid the wait.

If you need major work done right away and do not want to wait, a discount plan is a better choice than insurance, because discount plans have no waiting period. You pay the discounted rate when ready.

Network dentists and out-of-network costs

AARP dental plans work only at dentists in the plan's network. If you go to a dentist outside the network, the plan will not pay anything, and you pay the full cost. Before you buy a plan, check whether your current dentist is in the network. If not, you will either need to switch dentists or pay out of pocket.

Some plans allow you to see out-of-network dentists, but they pay a lower percentage of the cost, and you pay the difference. For example, if the plan covers 80 percent of a filling at a network dentist, it might cover only 60 percent at an out-of-network dentist. Check the plan documents to see how out-of-network coverage works.

Network size varies by plan and by state. Some plans have thousands of dentists in the network; others have fewer. When you compare plans, look at the network list and search for dentists near you to make sure you have options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AARP dental plan if I have Medicare?

Yes. Medicare does not cover dental work, so an AARP dental plan is separate from your Medicare coverage. You can have both at the same time. If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental, check whether adding an AARP plan makes sense or creates duplicate coverage you do not need.

What if I need a root canal or crown right now?

If you need major work when ready, a dental insurance plan will not help because of the waiting period. A discount plan has no waiting period, so you can use it right away. You can also ask your dentist about payment plans or financing options.

Do AARP dental plans cover implants?

Most AARP dental insurance plans do not cover implants, or they cover them at a very low percentage. Check the plan documents before you buy. If implants are important to you, ask the insurance company directly whether they are covered and at what percentage.

Can I cancel an AARP dental plan if I do not like it?

Yes, but the cancellation policy depends on the insurance company. Most plans allow you to cancel within 30 days of buying if you change your mind. After that, you can usually cancel anytime, but you may have to wait until the end of your billing period. Check the plan documents for the exact cancellation policy.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Your AARP dental plan may not be available in your new state, or the coverage may be different. Contact the insurance company when you move to find out whether your plan continues or whether you need to switch to a different plan available in your new state.